As summer gets closer, you might be excited to start taking care of your pool. The sun is shining, and swimming sounds great. You may have even called a pool filter cleaning service in Casa Grande to discuss some remodeling ideas to make your pool area better. But there is a concern you should think about: it would be disappointing to find out that the pool filter clogged and is not working when you’re ready to swim.
Why does my pool filter keep clogging?
When your filter is fresh out of the box, it’s like a high-functioning overachiever, water glides through effortlessly, and your pool stays clear and happy. But as time goes by, that filter starts to get a bit lazy, and you’ll notice the water’s not as sparkly as it used to be.
TroubleFreePool.com says, over time, stuff piles up and starts to block things up. So, when you don’t cover it, the pressure builds up inside the filter, kind of like a pot of water that’s about to boil over without a lid. When the filter’s performance dips to roughly 25% above its normal level, it’s basically crying out for assistance.
Pool filter clogged
According to the CDC, a properly maintained pool filter system is critical for safe swimming. It’s your first line of defense against waterborne illnesses like cryptosporidiosis, Legionella, and all the other tiny monsters that can ruin your summer.
And according to the Virginia Department of Health, filter pressure should be monitored regularly, and filters should be cleaned or backwashed when pressure increases by:
- 3–5 psi for rapid sand filters
- 5–10 psi for high-rate sand filters
- 8–10 psi for cartridge filters
Ignoring that pressure gauge could mean cloudy water, poor circulation, or worse, your pool turning into a swampy science experiment.
Clogged pool filter symptoms
Here’s your cheat sheet. If you spot any of these, it’s time to get scrubbing (or call your pool tech):
Even the World Health Organization agrees filtration is just as important as chemical balance when it comes to safe swimming. Letting your filter clog up doesn’t just ruin your water; it ruins your sanitizer’s ability to work, too. That means your chlorine can’t do its job.
How to unclog pool filter?
Two of the most common types of filters are cartridge and sand filters. Each has its own cleaning protocols, so it’s better to examine them separately for their respective steps.
1. Why does my pool cartridge filter keep clogging? One of the easiest ways to directly clean the cartridge filter is by setting it on your lawn and spraying it down with a hose. Continue to spray it up and down while rotating the cartridge to ensure that all debris is cleared.
Pro Tip: Pay extra attention to the bottom, as that’s where the most dirt collects. Once you’re done, put it back in the filter. You’re all set!
2. Why does my pool sand filter keep clogging? According to TroubleFreePool.com, clogged sand filter have a valve to clean out debris. Before changing this valve, turn off the pump. This prevents damage to your system.
- First, check that any valves on the waste line are open. Make sure the discharge hose points to where you want the dirty water to go. Once the pump is off, switch the lever to “backwash” and turn the pump on.
- The water will first run clear, then get dirty, and eventually clear up again. When it is clear, turn off the pump and switch the lever back to “filter.” Run the pump for another 15 seconds.
Pro Tip: Repeat the backwash process, and you’re done until the filter needs cleaning again!
How often should i clean my pool filter?
Don’t wait for the swamp monster
Watch out for dirty water and hidden issues. Check your pressure gauge, follow a cleaning plan, and pay attention to your filter. It has important info for you. Your future self (and your skin, lungs, and eyes) will appreciate it.
FAQ's
1. Should I get a pool pro to take a look if my filter keeps getting blocked up?
If just regular cleaning isn’t cutting it or if you’re dealing with clogs a lot, it’s a good idea to get a pro pool tech to take a look. They can take a look at your whole setup, suggest swapping out filters, or fix any sneaky pipes that might be the reason for the constant blockages, find your local pool pro here.
2. Why is my pool filter cartridge getting clogged up so quickly?
Several reasons your pool cartridge filter keeps clogging include
- Excessive debris like leaves and pollen
- Build-up of body oils, sunscreen, or algae
- Poor water chemistry or imbalanced pH
- Infrequent filter cleanings or rinsing
- When you use it a lot in the summer or during heavy rains, the filter can get clogged up quicker than normal.
3. Can a sand filter get clogged?
Absolutely. While sand filters are durable, they can still get blocked by oils, fine debris, or algae.
4. Why is my pool filter always getting blocked even after I clean it?
If your filter keeps getting blocked even after you’ve cleaned it, it could be one of these problems
- Damaged or old filter media that needs replacement.
- Improper cleaning techniques that leave behind debris
- Clogged pipes or skimmer baskets
- High bather load or poor chemical maintenance
5. What happens when pool filter is clogged?
Common symptoms of a clogged pool filter include
- Weak water jets or slow circulation
- Cloudy water despite adding chemicals
- Pump making loud or strained noises
- Pressure gauge reading 8–10 psi higher than normal.
- Visible debris floating in the pool
